The Greene Murder Case

In this classic 1920s mystery, a wealthy dilettante turned amateur sleuth must determine who wants to kill off one of Manhattan's greatest families.

Chester Greene has come to the office of New York District Attorney John Markham in need of help. Someone broke into his family's East Side mansion, shot one of his sisters dead, and left another sister wounded. The police believe it to be the work of a panicked burglar, but Chester doesn't buy it. Fortunately for Chester, the brilliant amateur detective Philo Vance happens to be in Markham's office, and he doesn't agree with the police either.

Unfortunately for Vance, the Greene family is mired in secrets. Getting a handle on the case isn't easy when someone keeps killing the suspects. Is there a rotten branch on this family tree? Is there a servant with an axe to grind? Who is behind those footprints in the snow? And can paralytic Mrs. Greene actually walk? It's up to Vance to find the answers and nab the killer before the Greene family sees more red.

Praise for The Greene Murder Case
"As in every detective story, the appearance of the culprit, unmasked, must be the main surprise which ends an unbroken and increasing train of suspense. The skill with which Mr. Van Dine does this is beautifully complicated and adroit, and without recourse to any unfair trickery or concealment." —The Atlantic